These diaries (5 vols.) were kept by Bernard Bachman, a merchant in Augsburg, Germany, in 1845 and from 1848-1859. Entries describe Bachman's life as a young merchant, his family and social affairs, readings and reflections, travels, fortunes of the family business, and an account of his visit to the United States and Canada in 1854, especially the social life and conditions in New York City and his visit to Niagara Falls. The diaries are written in German, with many portions in English and French